Prosensa, the Dutch based biopharmaceutical company focusing on RNA therapeutics and Leiden University Medical Center announce that they have extended their license agreement on RNA modulation.

Leiden, The Netherlands, September 30, 2009 – Prosensa, the Dutch based biopharmaceutical company focusing on RNA therapeutics and Leiden University Medical Center announce that they have extended their license agreement on RNA modulation.

In 2003, Prosensa obtained an exclusive world-wide license from Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC, Leiden, the Netherlands) for the application of its proprietary RNA modulation technology in the field of neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophies. This technology was developed at the Human Genetics department of Prof. Dr. Gert-Jan van Ommen. The recent extension of the license agreement gives Prosensa the rights to apply the RNA modulation technology for the development of treatments for indications outside the field of neuromuscular disorders.

“Following the proof-of-concept that we obtained with this exciting therapeutic approach for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, we see a clear opportunity in applying this powerful technology platform in other indications and building a broad product portfolio for Prosensa. We are very pleased with the collaboration with LUMC and privileged to be able to work closely with the strong scientific team under the leadership of professor van Ommen” says Hans Schikan, CEO of Prosensa.

Van Ommen, head of the LUMC Human Genetics Department and a pioneer in RNA modulation research comments: ”Prosensa has been an ideal partner for us to translate the results of our research into solutions to treat patients, as demonstrated by the tremendous progress that has been made in the development of novel and promising treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Therefore it was an obvious decision for us to grant Prosensa the rights to use our RNA modulation platform to develop treatments for other debilitating and life-threatening diseases.”

“We are very happy with this extended agreement. LUMC has achieved a major breakthrough with the RNA modulation platform and has been able to secure a strong patent position in this field. This broadened license will allow us to further build our internal pipeline with novel applications. It will also further establish Prosensa as the partner of choice for other companies looking to enter this exciting new area” comments Luc Dochez, VP Business Development of Prosensa.

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